LIFESTYLE LETTER
Love is in the Air
It should come as no surprise that people in Conroe have big hearts and love a wide array of activities, causes, and people. This month, our articles cover a wide range of these topics.
For example, we talked to a mother-daughter team who started a business together and found a rekindled love for serving others. If you know someone needing home healthcare, Katie and Victoria's Interim Healthcare is a business you can get behind.
Then, there is our story on the American Heart Association, which is trying to educate women on their risk of heart disease, which is definitely one you should take the time to read. It will likely get you primed to exercise and get back to nature, and of course, we have a story about another woman whose passion is hiking, and not just for herself. Melanie loves organizing groups of women to take hiking trips with her locally and abroad.
Then, we also tap into your love of fashion, rodeos, and country music. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will celebrate 60 years next month, but now is the time to get ideas for your outfit so you can dress for the occasion! We talked to the folks at Cavender's Boot Center in Conroe to find out what fashions are trending this year, plus we spoke to Ryder Grimes, an up-and-coming country western artist you can catch after you get all dressed up. He'll be playing at the Rodeo this year.
So take a look inside, and you'll surely find something you too can love. Happy Valentine's Day!
ALISON KARTEVOLD, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Alison Kartevold | Alison.Kartevold@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jo Hammon | Jo.Hammon@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Tonya Butler | Tonya.Butler@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Delaney Baysinger | delaneybaysinger@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Kartevold, Melanie Michaelchuk, Shannon Barghols, Amy Barnett
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Melonhead Photo
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Conroe loves rodeo season, and these cowgirls and boys know the best place to get
for it is Canvender’s Boot City—special thanks to models Paige Moore, Jada Romero, Richard McCown, and Austin Beauchamp.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Judge Echo Hutson speaks about the county’s specialty court dealing with domestic violence. 2: Hail and Farewell Elected Officials Reception at the Chamber of Commerce. Festive suit, Judge Hafley! 3: Constable Deforest speaks about his retirement after serving for decades. Thank you for your service! 4: County Judge Mark J. Keough, Conroe’s Mayor Pro Tem Harry Harman, and Constable Gene Deforest. 5: Conroe City Lifestyle participated in City Hall’s Deck the Tree Decor Contest. 6: The finished result. 7: Another entry in the competition that is sure to become an annual event.
Child Advocates of Montgomery County Announces New Board Member
Matthew Borges, Assistant Director of Ambulatory Surgical Operations at Texas Children’s Hospital, has been added to CAMC's board of directors. The board also confirmed its returning officers, including CEO Ann Marie Ronsman, Mark Freeman, Christina Meineke, Katie Beatty, and Justin Lime, for the coming year. Together, they support the nonprofit’s mission to empower vulnerable children through volunteer advocacy and strengthen their families and community with education so they can flourish in a safe, nurturing environment.
Interfaith Community Clinic receives $50,000 donation from the Huntsman Corporation
The donation ensures that the clinic's Cut and Shoot location will continue to partner with Compassion United and the Compassion Community Care Center (C4) one day a week. The funding will allow ICC to expand its hours and purchase critical supplies and equipment needed to support a more permanent medical home. The Huntsman Corporation is the largest employer in East Montgomery County and CEO and President Peter Huntsman says the corporation and his family are passionate about investing in the Conroe area.
Safe Harbor received $100 thousand from ExxonMobil Chairman’s Holiday Fund
ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods and his wife, Kathy, presented the annual gift to Children’s Safe Harbor’s Executive Director Victoria Constance, Ph.D., at its main campus in Conroe. She said this generous operation funding will support Children’s Safe Harbor’s counseling department’s core trauma-informed care services for children and families. Children’s Safe Harbor provides essential resources and services to deliver justice, healing, and hope to children facing severe challenges and trauma.
September 6 & 7,
The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, 9055 Airport Rd., Conroe
Berry Center of Northwest Houston Cypress, TX 77433
September 6 & 7, 2025 The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, Conroe, TX 77303
Providing Loving Care
MOTHER, DAUGHTER DUO’S BUSINESS OFFERS
SKILLED AND PERSONAL HOME HEALTHCARE
Holiday visits with family are a standard time for people to realize that their loved ones require a bit more help than they used to, so if you are currently looking for a home healthcare provider, you are not alone. The team at Interim Healthcare here in Conroe is one you should put at the top of your list.
Katie Wenglikowski has been a nurse for 19 years, 12 of which have been centered on in-home healthcare. She didn’t dream of nursing while growing up. In her youth, she saw herself as becoming an interior designer or lawyer but caring for others is something she came to love. Several years ago, she worried that this was no longer the case until her daughter helped her find a new way to rekindle the joy she finds in helping others.
Over the past two decades, Katie has witnessed many changes in the healthcare industry, most of which she doesn’t think are for the better.
“It has gone from being patient-centered, and staff being appreciated, to staff being less appreciated,” says Katie Wenglikowski, owner of Interim Healthcare. “Patients were still being cared for appropriately- and then it became more about trying to make money and corporations taking over. There are very few doctors who own their own practices anymore; they've sold to corporations, and so then it gets away from caring about the staff, caring about the patients. Patients become a number- a dollar sign.”
ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CL STAFF AND PROVIDED
For Katie, it was working in a hospital throughout the pandemic that nearly broke her spirit and made her think she had to make a change.
“Being pushed to the brink every single day while CEOs, CNOs, and CFOs are all sitting in their houses away from COVID because their lives are more valuable- but still collecting their paychecks and their bonuses. I said I have to get out of health care or do something different.”
This is when her daughter, Victoria, suggested an alternative. What if they started their own business to run things as they saw fit?
At the time, Victoria’s great-grandmother, who had also been a nurse, was 106. She could still get around reasonably well, but by the end of the day, she needed some help. She only wanted someone to help for an hour a day, but most services require you to pay for at least four. Victoria watched her mother’s frustration build while trying to help her great-grandmother, and navigate being a caring person in an increasingly uncaring profession. Interim Healthcare proved to be the solution they were searching for.
They hold a license in the state of Texas for skilled home health and personal care support services. They provide their clients with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and medical social workers. Whether someone needs care following surgery or injuries, for short- and long-term, they can help anyone ages 18 and older. Helping people around the house, from cooking meals to helping them get dressed, are also services they provide. The ability to have just the services you need is one of the things that sets Interim Healthcare apart. They develop a personalized schedule with each client. “The whole goal is to keep people in their own home, comfortable, for as long as possible,” says Katie.
“It became more about trying to make money and corporations taking over... It gets away from caring about the staff, caring about the patients. Patients become a number- a dollar sign.”
Victoria and Katie
They develop a personalized schedule with each client.
“The whole goal is to keep people in their own home, comfortable, for as long as possible,” says Katie Wenglikowski, owner of Interim Healthcare
“Most seniors are living on very limited funds with no idea how long they are going to live and worry whether they are going to outlive their financial means. So we try to make sure they just get the services they need.” says Katie. “If people only need two hours or an hour of service a day, that is all they need, and I’ll have to make it work.”
Victoria not only enjoys working with her mom, but she is happy to see the renewed love of her profession again. Running their own business allows them to advocate and protect their clients and continually teach new skills to their staff.
“I feel like I'm making a difference and being authentic to myself.” Katie said, “I love all of our clients. I’ve adopted them all! And my team is made up of super sweet, caring people.”
Rodeo GET READY
Cavender’s in Conroe has everything ya’ll need this Rodeo Season
ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELONHEAD PHOTO
Buckle up, it's rodeo time! This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The rodeo runs from March 4th to March 23rd, but festivities kick off in Conroe on February 22nd with the Go Texan Parade. So there is no time like the present to rustle up your attire.
This year, we went to Cavender's Boot City in Conroe to learn what everyone, who is anyone, will be wearing.
“We are projected to do over a million dollars in sales during Rodeo season,” says the Conroe location manager Ashlie Bettencourt. “Our store is grouped as one of the highest volume stores in the company due to the amount of freight we push out every day. During Rodeo season, we are a onestop shop for not only attendees of the rodeo but also the contestants.”
Cavender's is a proud Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo team sponsor. So Bettencourt's assistant, Reese Cummings, efficiently laid out several outfits that are on point this season. Bring on the bling, leopard print, and, of course, making a big comeback, denim on denim.
Outfit 1: Jada Romero is ready for the spotlight wearing a Rock & Roll Denim Women's Silver Metallic Bling Blazer with a Blue B Women's Black & Long Rhinestones Fringe Denim Skirt. For boots she has on Very G Women's Karen Silver Rhinestone Snip Toe Fashion Booties and for the hat a Rodeo King Charcoal 10x.
Outfit 2: Paige Moore is sophisticatedly western in a Wrangler Light Denim Pearl Snap Dress with a JRC and Sons Brown Nancy Belt and Ariat Brown Distressed Casanova Boots With an M&F Cheetah Print wild rag.
Outfit 3: Jada shows that not all denim is blue by wearing a Blue B Women's Black Straps & Buckles Back Zip Dress with a Turquoise Haven Women's Sand Western Print Fine Mesh Top. For boots, she is wearing the Camel JRC and Sons Boots with a Rodeo King Charcoal 10X hat.
Outfit 4: Paige is wearing a Rockin C Women's Black Faux Suede Bodysuit with Blue B Women's Black & Long Rhinestones Fringe Denim Skirt with a Cinch red paisley wild rag.
Outfit 5: Jada is prepared for a chilly night wearing a Powder River Outfitters by Panhandle Women's Cream Faux Fur Cattle Brand Fringed Jacket with a Rockin’ C Brown Body Suit And Rock and Roll Striped Boot Stitch Trousers. For boots, she has on Black Star Red Boots with Star Embellishments and a Cinch Red Paisley Wild Rag.
Outfit 6: Paige strikes a playful yet feminine pose in a BBJ Women's Dark Washed Denim Vest with an Easel Brown Long Lace Skirt. She is wearing Circle G by Corral Women's Turquoise Heavy Stitched Snip Toe Cowboy Boots for boots.
Ryder Grimes:
A Little Old-School, a Little Modern
Hailing from Poetry, Texas, Ryder Grimes is a multi-award-winning singer whose musical style blends the soul and authenticity of classic country with a modern twist. Raised on a mix of ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s country music, Grimes has honed a sound that reflects both the legends who inspired him and his own unique voice.
“I aim to use the talent God gave me to be creative and build something that is uniquely ‘me,’” Grimes explained. “I love and respect all country music and do believe that you have to grow with the times but don’t have to change what you’re doing. For me, I love old school, traditional country music, but I want to give it that slight edge that’s modern country.”
Grimes’ twist on traditional country is resonating with music lovers as he has already seen success on the Texas country music charts with multiple No. 1 songs. He also earned the Emerging Artist of the Year award at the 2023 Texas Country Music Awards and Songwriter of the Year award in 2024 for his chart-topping single, “In My Boots.”
ARTICLE BY AMY BARNETT
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“This was a special award to win. The reason I write songs is to write something that hits deeper than just the ears for people,” Grimes shared. “When people hear my songs, I want them to feel a soul connection or a relation, kind of the ‘I get that’ feeling. I love writing songs that paint pictures, and to win this award inspires me to keep doing that for years to come!”
Grimes has been hard at work on new music, including an upcoming single, “Wrong Went Wrong,” set for release in February. Co-written with Gunnar Latham, the song is a heart-wrenching, classic country ballad. “It sounds like it was written in 1984, and I am extremely proud of it,” Grimes said.
The song came out of a creative session that took an unexpected turn—what started as an effort to write an upbeat tune quickly transformed into a tear-jerker, the kind of song that pays homage to the greats who shaped his musical upbringing.
Looking ahead, Grimes is excited about all 2025 holds. Not only is he releasing new music, but he has a hefty tour schedule, too, which includes shows in new towns and at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where he will be playing the Junction Stage on March 23 at 7 pm.
“This is a show I am really stoked about,” said Grimes. “I can’t wait to get back to Houston and perform for my H-Town family!”
While traveling across Texas and the U.S., Grimes will also be tackling a new goal he set for himself – to write at least 100 songs this year.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready for it,” he said.
But what he’s most proud of is a goal he has already achieved – finding who he truly is as an artist.
“I feel like I have finally found ‘me.’ I believe that as an artist, that is the single hardest thing to achieve,” Grimes added.
To learn more about Ryder Grimes and to stay up to date on his music and tour schedule, follow him on social media and visit rydergrimes.com.
LOVING THE HIKE
ARTICLE BY CL STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
A JOURNEY TO INSPIRE ADVENTURE IN LOCAL WOMAN
For Melanie Michaelchuk, the great outdoors isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. As a personal trainer, digital content creator, and blog writer, Melanie has channeled her passion for nature into a mission: to inspire others to explore the beauty of the natural world and reap its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Melanie leads hikes for the Lonestar Hiking Trail Club and serves on the board of the Lonestar Hiking Trail Foundation, tirelessly preserving and promoting the local trail system. She also founded the Montgomery County Women’s Hiking Group, creating a supportive space for women to connect with nature and each other. Melanie shares tips on hiking, nutrition, fitness, and gear through Just Hyke, her vibrant brand, to empower adventurers of all levels.
Her love for exploration knows no bounds. Melanie has organized unforgettable group hiking experiences on Iceland’s famous Laugavegur Trail, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and, more locally, led hikes to the top of Guadalupe Peak, Texas' highest point in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. These adventures offer participants the chance to challenge themselves, bond with others, and soak in some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.
Her most impactful contributions include organizing special event hikes and nature-inspired retreats. Her glamping and yoga retreats invite participants to immerse themselves in the outdoors while enjoying the comforts of modern camping. Guests can expect guided hikes, yoga sessions, delicious meals, and tranquil evenings under the stars, all designed to reconnect them with nature.
“Nature has a way of grounding us,” Melanie says. “It’s a space where we can find clarity, strength, and peace.” Whether summiting a peak, hiking a local trail, writing her blog, or hosting a retreat, Melanie inspires others to embrace the outdoors. Her dedication to the trails and the vibrant community she’s built ensures her love for adventure will inspire many for years to come.
Passionate about helping women over 40 embrace the outdoors and reach new heights, Melanie specializes in fitness training, flexibility coaching, and hiking preparation. Melanie aims to empower others to build strength, confidence, and a love for the trails.
For hiking insights, fitness tips, and upcoming events, visit her website, JustHyke.com, and follow along at "Melanie Michaelchuk Hiker"! #JustHyke
GO RED FOR WOMEN
Support American Heart Month in February
ARTICLE BY SHANNON BARGHOLS
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
I’ll be wearing my favorite red jacket on Friday, February 7th, for National Wear Red Day®. The American Heart Association (AHA) is encouraging the women of Woodforest to Go Red for Women® to raise awareness of the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease.
For more than 20 years, the American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women, has met the evolving health needs of women and addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of their greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD). Go Red for Women is a source of credible, equitable health solutions at every age, stage, and season of life.
Cardiovascular disease does not discriminate, and it is not a one-size-fits-all issue. It’s as diverse and complex as women are. Health is personal. Confounding. And often lonely. It’s not just numbers and tests, self-discipline and denials.
It’s feelings, it’s focus. It’s balance. It’s life. But what it isn’t - is fair. Heart disease unfairly targets women. Women have been excluded from research, testing, treatment, and funding. CVD continues to be the number one killer of women - claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. Additionally, women experience unique life stages such as adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause that can increase their risk of developing CVD. Even more startling is the fact that only about half of women are aware that cardiovascular disease is their most significant health risk.
Montgomery CountyGo Red Luncheon
Fortunately, women have a fantastic resource - each other. Go Red for Women is dedicated to connecting women to motivate each other, educate each other, and inspire each other. Because when we Go Red together, we have the power to build communities that foster better health. Thanks to the support from supporters, volunteers, and champions, the American Heart Association is working to improve the heart and brain health of all women in the following ways:
RESEARCH AND SCIENCE:
For too long, women have been underrepresented in research. In fact, less than 40% of research participants are women. Go Red for Women is funding critical, lifesaving research to address the unique risk factors and needs of women.
LIFE STAGES
As a woman ages, her risk for cardiovascular disease changes. Yet the majority of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. Go Red for Women is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage, and season of life.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, yet women remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. From being less likely to receive bystander CPR to facing inequities in care, women deserve better. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing community and support.
In my work as the Senior Marketing Communications Director for the American Heart Association, I often share heart-healthy resources. However, during American Heart Month, my personal mission is to share information about women and cardiovascular disease. To learn more, go to www.GoRedForWomen.org.
Montgomery County- Go Red Luncheon
Montgomery County- Go Red Luncheon
Montgomery CountyGo Red Luncheon
FEBRUARY 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
Allen Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce
The Owen Theater, 225 Metcalf Street, Conroe
Trevor and Susannah, whose marriage is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest: three couples whose own relationships are tenuous at best. It takes place sequentially in the beleaguered couples’ bedrooms one Saturday night, leading to a hilariously touching epiphany. It was a long-running hit in London and New York. This play runs through the 9th.
FEBRUARY 7TH
Big - The Musical
The Crighton Theatre, 234 North Main Street, Conroe
This is a 1996 adaptation of the 1988 film starring Tom Hanks. Josh Baskin is a 12-year-old boy who grows up overnight after being granted a wish. With the aid of his best friend, Billy, he must cope with his new adulthood while finding the machine to wish himself back. This play will run through the 23rd of the month.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Go Texan Parade
Downtown Conroe | 1:00 PM
The Go Texan parade is a free, unofficial kickoff event for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that celebrates Western heritage and raises awareness of the rodeo season. Hosted by the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber in cooperation with the Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Memorable Events
Welcome to Hyatt Regency Conroe, where sophistication meets functionality. With over 30,000 square feet of versatile event space, we cater to conferences, weddings, and social gatherings. Our dedicated planning team ensures seamless execution, complemented by advanced technology and luxurious accommodations. Enjoy exquisite catering options designed to please every palate. Elevate your next event with us and Be More Here.
Book With us today!
Weddings & Celebrations
Host the celebration of your dreams in one of our elegant Conroe wedding venues. Our Regency Ballroom and Lone Star Ballroom offer elevated spaces for larger gatherings and our outdoor patio provides a unique setting under the tall Texas pines.
Conferences & Tradeshows
Our conference spaces include two ballrooms, a grand foyer filled with natural light and flexible outdoor space to take your gathering to the next level.
Meetings & Workshops
Designed for seamless meetings and workshops, offering versatile event spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and dedicated support to ensure every gathering is a success.